Intra-pulmonary artery streptokinase.

Fibrinolytic agents have been advocated for the treatment of massive pulmonary emboli. The usual mode of infusion is via a peripheral vein. Theoretically, infusion into the pulmonary artery would be expected to be more efficacious. A case representing the failure of intra-pulmonary artery infusion of fibrinolytic agents is presented. However, a literature review suggests that this mode of therapy may achieve a greater success in clot lysis than does peripheral infusion. Additionally, this form of treatment may allow the clinician to lower the administered dose which may represent an advantage to the patient.